Hey there, friends! What an exciting week of study as we looked at the responses to the Good News of the coming Savior. Mary and Joseph modeled courageous faith and obedience while Elizabeth shouted blessings. What a reason to celebrate!
How can we respond to the good news of Christmas ourselves?
We can let the hustle and bustle of our contemporary Christmas overwhelm us. Or we can take time to remember the first Christmas.
We can tell ourselves that the gifts and travel and commitments are what Christmas is all about. Or we can commit ourselves with gratitude to be who God wants us to be and do what He calls us to do … even in the midst of one celebration after another.
We can give in to the stress of it all. Or we can look to Mary as an example of someone living out her faith to the best of her ability. She responded to Christmas with immediate surrender to whatever the future held. She willingly agreed and humbly accepted what God had determined for her life. Mary’s life pointed to the Lord.
“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’” (Luke 1:38a-b, NLT)
The beautiful truth of Christmas is that God was not only with Mary, but He is also with us. This is good news! No matter how we arrive at Christmas — be it in exceeding joy, sadness, grief, hope or unbelief — God is with us.
I encourage you to share the Good News this Christmas — whether you whisper it to a friend, sing it on the street corner or shout it from the rooftops. You are made to receive the Good News of Christ and to share it with others!
Let’s be open, faithful and obedient to what God wants us to do for Him.
Love and blessings,
Alicia
Let’s Chat!
How will you respond to Christmas this year?
P.S. You’re invited to A Night of Light With OBS, hosted on the P31 OBS Facebook page. We’ll celebrate the beginning of the Advent season with a special message and time of worship. It will be for you and your family to enjoy. This event will take place twice to ensure it fits your schedule. Catch either event live (November 28 and November 29, both at 8 p.m. ET) OR watch the replay any time after.